Ferland Mendy to Barcelona? Eric Abidal sets sight on defender – Reports

Ferland Mendy to Barcelona: Barcelona are eyeing defender Ferland Mendy to replace Jordi Alba.

Barcelona’s frustrating form in La Liga continued last weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Valencia. Lionel Messi scored the only goal for Barcelona after an error from Gerard Pique led to the hosts leading 1-0 in only the second minute of the match.

Barcelona slipped to second place in La Liga, with Sevilla being the surprise toppers in the table. Real Madrid further slipped to fourth, behind Atletico Madrid in the league after a stunning 1-0 defeat against Deportivo Alaves.

Julen Lopetegui’s side is goalless since the last four matches in all competitions.

However, Barcelona fans have some respite in terms of the club’s transfer progress. Barca are facing a defensive crisis at the moment, with their key defender Samuel Umtiti sidelined for 4-6 months. Gerard Pique is not in the best of his form. However, Barcelona’s worry also lies in the left-back position, where they don’t have replacement lined up for Jordi Alba.

And so, Barcelona are eyeing Lyon defender Ferland Mendy.

Ferland Mendy to Barcelona:

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have been scouting Mendy ever since his youth days. Mendy has been a key member of the Barca squad ever since the beginning of the season. It is reported that Barcelona observed Mendy’s performances in all the matches since the season began, including the one against Paris Saint Germain.

Barcelona’s technical secretary, Eric Abidal, who has played for both, Barcelona and Lyon, has been assigned the task to scout Mendy, according to the report.

The Catalan club has earlier done business with Lyon, when they signed Samuel Umtiti in 2016.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Mendy is a favourable candidate for Barcelona in the left-back position. The Spanish outlet reports that Barca sees Mendy as an ideal replacement for Jordi Alba.

However, it is yet to be seen whether Barcelona will make a move for Mendy in January, or wait till the end of the season.

What next?

Barcelona will face league-leaders Sevilla in their next La Liga match and will aim to go back to winning ways. The Catalan giants, meanwhile, are also keeping tabs on Kurt Zouma, according to reports from France.